However it was not just the players on the pitch who were battling it out, as shortly after Grimsby equalised in the final minute of play, violence broke out between opposing fans inside the stadium.

Fans from both teams could be seen charging at one another and hurling missiles in an attempt to cause disruption to the end of the game, which was halted for a brief period until the situation calmed down.

Trouble brewed at Blundell Park in the dying moments of the game between Grimsby Town and Port Vale (Image: Rick Byrne)

Prior to the match Humberside Police were forced to escort Port Vale fans from a pub on Cleethorpes High Street, after they had attempted to confront Grimsby fans drinking at another pub nearby.

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Police quickly surrounded the fans, before herding them onto nearby coaches and taking them to the stadium.

The trouble may have spoilt the game for the vast majority of fans who had simply attended for a nice afternoon out at the football.

Chief Superintendent Darren Downs who was in overall charge of the policing of the game said: "We staffed this game in a proportionate way, and in response to the intelligence we received regarding the game and the potential for disorder from fans.

Fans clashed as the game between Grimsby Town and Port Vale reaches its climax (Image: Rick Byrne)

"Our officers policed appropriately to control a number of fans who sought to cause disorder and disruption inside and outside the ground, as well as to the local community.

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"Aside from the normal evidence and intelligence gathering officers from Staffordshire Police, of which there were three, the match has been policed by officers from the Humberside force.

"As with any football fixture the vast majority of football supporters, home and away, attended purely to watch the game and have an enjoyable afternoon out, and it is our priority to make it as safe as possible for these fans.

"I'd like to thank the local communities of Cleethorpes and Grimsby for their patience during today’s game and reassure them that we will continue to ensure they are safe, as well as thanking our staff for their hard work.”